By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
ARAPAHO – The Warriors clicked on all phases as they cruised their second straight win, 10-1 over Arapaho-Butler last Thursday.
The Indians struck first, scoring once in the top of the first inning, but Okarche answered in the bottom half to take a 4-1 lead and enough momentum to eventually seal the victory.
Arapaho-Butler scored its run on an error, a fielder’s choice and a single to start the game. Warrior starter Preston Hawk regrouped and allowed just one more hit the rest of the way, picking up the complete game win while allowing just the one run on two hits over four innings. He struck out six and gave up just two walks.
The Warriors took advantage of a shaky start by Indian starter Zach Carlisle. Catcher Carson Jacobs reached base with a one-out walk before stealing second. He later scored on an RBI-single by left-fielder Nick Baustert to tie the game, 1-1. Baustert moved to third on two wild pitches by Carlisle before Carlisle walked the bases loaded on freebies to Tucker shortstop Neuenschwander and third-baseman Bryce Reece. Baustert scored on a third straight walk to first-baseman Jayton Crider before two more wild pitches pushed across Neuenschwander and Reese for a 4-1 lead.
Okarche tacked on six more runs across the second and third innings.
Jacobs reached on a one-out single to start the bottom of the second inning before stealing second base. Baustert, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, followed with a base knock before Hawk reached on a fielder’s choice and moved to third on a single by Cody Reed. Reed, who pinch-hit for Neuenschwander, moved to second on a walk to Reese before a three-run single by Crider for a 7-1 lead.
The Warriors pushed across three more runs in third.
Designated hitter Carson Baustert led off the bottom half of the frame with a solo homerun to right-center field. Centerfielder Dalton Schwarz followed with a single and reached second on an error before a walk to Jacobs. Baustern picked up his third RBI with a single to drive in Schwarz for a 9-1 lead. Hawk walked before a sacrifice fly by Neuenschwander to score Jacobs for a 10-1 lead.
Okarche finished with eight hits and two errors on route to their second win of the year, coming off an 18-0 win over Dover last Monday.
The Warriors continue their season today through the weekend at the 2019 Pioneer Tournament. They open against Class 2A No. 8 Crossings Christian today at 4:45 p.m. before taking on No. 9 Pioneer-Pleasant Vale at 7 p.m. They take on Glencoe at 12:15 p.m. Friday and Morrison’s junior varsity at 2:30 p.m. before bracket play on Saturday.
